The problem of the investigation of the mechanism of failure in compression of neat cement and mortar specimens is considered in this thesis. The study was made on two hundred specimens of cement paste and mortar, of which approximately one half were tension briquets and the other half compression cylinders. The underlying theory which led to this study was that failure in compression in specimens with aggregate (mortar and concrete) is due to the wedging action of the particles of aggregate within the matrix of cement paste. Steam-curing was used to avoid delay in the hardening of cement. It was found that the cement used was of the type which continues hardening after being steam-cured. The importance of having the specimens at a constant temperature throughout their mass and at room temperature when the tests were performed was realized. An investigation of the effect of end conditions on test cylinders in compression was conducted. It is considered that the confined rubber end conditions used were an improvement on testing with lubricated ends only. Observations were made on the effect of the bursting action of water in compression tests of moist specimens. A study of the effect of stress concentration around voids was made on tension specimens. Compression specimens made of neat cement, mortar and cement with inclusions in the form of balls were studied. Inclusions were placed in cement cylinders to imitate the action of the aggregate in mortar and concrete specimens. Tests on compression specimens with inclusions were useful in the interpretation of results of tests on neat cement and mortar cylinders and in the study of the stress-strain curves. Transverse bending tests of cylinders were made with the purpose of investigating the presence of transverse cracks formed in the cylinders as a consequence of the application of compressive loads. They did not provide a good method of investigation but were very useful in that they were an aid to realizing the effect of the horizontal cracks in the stress-strain curves. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

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Ultrasonic testing of concrete is often used for the assessment of its uniformity, strength, modulus of elasticity, durability and etc. therefore, the related parameters of testing such as the transducer frequency, the specimen geometry and etc. are well-known. On the other hand, most of the concrete properties are affected by the cement and the mechanical as well as some durability properties of cements are determined through cement mortars. Applications of ultrasound on determining the properties of cement mortars are quite limited. Therefore, the required specimen dimensions, transducer frequencies have not yet been established for cement mortars. In this study, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of mortars was determined with different transducers of different frequencies for different size ans shape of specimens. Within the scope of the experimental program, three different ultrasonic frequencies (54 kHz, 82 kHz, and 150 kHz) were utilized and the relation between ultrasonic testing frequency and specimen shape was experimentally investigated. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of mortar was adversely affected by the water-to-cement ratio. It was also observed that, when the length/wavelength ratio increases, the measured UPV with different transducer frequencies tends to converge to a single value. Finally, it was also concluded that an increase in moisture content of the mortar mixtures causes an increase in UPV and a decrease in compressive strength.

Master’s thesis deals with diagnostics and reconstruction of neo-gothic chapel in Medlice. Summary of appropriate testing methods for this chapel is compiled. Visual examination of whole structure have been performed by diagnostics. Masonry element strength was found out at specimens which had were taken out from structure (drill cores and whole bricks). Masonry elements also was tested by Schmidt hammer LB. Mortar was tested by Kucera’s drill. Masonry strength required for static calculation was computed from achieved values. After examination of all structure defects have been designed reconstruction by post-tensioning.